1994 Mazda 323 review from North America
"Perhaps the best econobox ever"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
No real problems. Give it an oil change twice a year and it's good.
Replaced upper radiator hose and drive belt at 145000.
Replaced timing belt at 125000.
Replaced the front brake pads at 150000.
Replaced muffler after "bottoming out" on a rough dirt road.
General comments?
A surprising number of these little old Mazda hatchbacks are still running on the streets of Vancouver.
This car is perhaps the ultimate econobox. It's hard to think of a more basic, reliable, fuel-efficient, no-nonsense vehicle. It does its job with no fuss and little expense.
Driving carefully, I always obtain 40-42 mpg on highway driving, with a vehicle which is now 14 years old.
However the 1.6 L automatic has weak acceleration, esp. uphill. You won't spend much time in the passing lane. I know this because I drive a lot through high mountain passes in the Rockies.
I wish they were still made, because I'd certainly buy another one new.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1994 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 gasoline Automatic |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 115000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 155000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Ford F150 |
| Date of Entry | 9th April, 2008 |